Psalms 73

A psalm of Asaph.

1Surely God is good to Israel, to those pure in heart.

2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

3For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4For they have no pangs at death, and their bodies are healthy.

5They do not share in human hardship, nor are they plagued like other people.

6Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.

7Their eyes bulge from fatness; the imaginings of their heart overflow.

8They mock and speak wickedly; they speak of oppression from on high.

9They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues range over the earth.

10Therefore he brings his people back here, and abundant waters are drained for them.

11And they say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”

12Look, these are the wicked, always at ease; they have acquired wealth.

13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence.

14For I was afflicted all day long, and chastened every morning.

15If I had said, “I will speak like this,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

16But when I tried to understand this, it was a burden to me.

17until I entered the sanctuaries of God; then I understood their end.

18Surely you set them in slippery places; you cast them down to ruin.

19How they became a desolation in a moment! They came to an end; they were consumed by terrors.

20Like a dream when one awakes, Lord, when you rouse yourself, you will despise their image.

21For my heart grew bitter, and I was pierced in my kidneys.

22I was senseless and did not understand; I was like a beast with you.

23Yet I am continually with you; you have held my right hand.

24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me to glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but you? And besides you, I desire nothing on earth.

26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.

27For behold, those far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28But as for me, the nearness of God is good for me; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so that I may tell of all your works.